U.S. patent application number 14/343673 was filed with the patent office on 2015-07-16 for electrical socket.
The applicant listed for this patent is IFPL Group Limited. Invention is credited to Geoffrey Paul Underwood.
Application Number | 20150200498 14/343673 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 44908334 |
Filed Date | 2015-07-16 |
United States Patent
Application |
20150200498 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Underwood; Geoffrey Paul |
July 16, 2015 |
ELECTRICAL SOCKET
Abstract
An audio interface (1) comprising a socket (3) arranged to
receive a plug (30), the socket arranged to transfer an audio
signal to the plug when connected to the socket, the interface
comprising a detector (10) to determine whether an audio signal is
received at the socket, the detector arranged to cause generation
of a test signal to indicate that an audio signal is received at
the socket, at least when the plug is not connected to the
socket.
Inventors: |
Underwood; Geoffrey Paul;
(Newport, GB) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
IFPL Group Limited |
Isle of Wight |
|
GB |
|
|
Family ID: |
44908334 |
Appl. No.: |
14/343673 |
Filed: |
September 7, 2012 |
PCT Filed: |
September 7, 2012 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/GB2012/052213 |
371 Date: |
March 31, 2015 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
439/490 ;
439/489 |
Current CPC
Class: |
H01R 24/58 20130101;
H01R 13/66 20130101; H01R 13/7031 20130101; H01R 13/717 20130101;
H01R 13/6683 20130101 |
International
Class: |
H01R 13/717 20060101
H01R013/717; H01R 24/58 20060101 H01R024/58; H01R 13/66 20060101
H01R013/66 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Sep 9, 2011 |
GB |
1115628.8 |
Claims
1. An audio interface comprising a socket arranged to receive a
plug, the socket arranged to transfer an audio signal to the plug
when connected to the socket, the interface comprising a detector
to determine whether an audio signal is received at the socket, the
detector arranged to cause generation of a test signal to indicate
that an audio signal is received at the socket, at least when the
plug is not connected to the socket.
2. An audio interface as claimed in claim 1 in which the detector
is arranged to cause the test signal to be generated only when the
plug is not connected to the socket.
3. An audio interface as claimed in claim 1 in which the detector
causes discontinuation of generation of the test signal when, and
during, it is determined that the plug is connected to the
socket.
4. An audio interface as claimed in claim 1 in which the detector
comprises a switch which controls generation of the test signal,
based on whether the switch is open or closed.
5. An audio interface as claimed in claim 2 in which the detector
is arranged to deactivate a test signal generator when it is
determined that the plug is connected to the socket.
6. An audio interface as claimed in claim 1 in which the socket
comprises an electrical terminal and the detector is arranged to
cause the test signal to be generated when it is determined that an
audio signal is received at said electrical terminal of the
socket.
7. An audio interface as claimed in claim 6 in which the socket
comprises two or more electrical terminals and the detector is
arranged to cause generation of the test signal when it is
determined that an audio signal is received at both or all of the
electrical terminals of the socket.
8. An audio interface as claimed in claim 1 in which the test
signal generated comprises a visual indication.
9. An audio interface as claimed in claim 8 in which the audio
interface comprises a light-generating component for displaying aid
visual indication.
10. An audio interface as claimed in claim 1 in which the test
signal is generated using power sourced from the audio signal.
11. An audio interface as claimed in claim 10 in which the detector
comprises a test signal generator for generation of a test signal
to indicate that an audio signal is received at the socket, and
said detector directs the audio signal towards said test signal
generator when the plug is not connected to the socket.
12. An audio interface comprising: a socket arranged to receive a
plug having a pin, the socket arranged to transfer an audio signal
to the plug when said plug is connected to the socket; a detector
for determining whether an audio signal is received at the socket,
the detector including a test signal generator for generation of a
test signal to indicate that an audio signal is received at the
socket; and a resilient element arranged to engage said pin of the
plug such that on connection of the plug to the audio interface the
resilient element switches said audio signal away from said test
signal generator, and when the plug is not connected to the audio
interface, the resilient element directs the audio signal towards
said test signal generator.
13. An audio interface as claimed in claim 12 in which the
resilient element is an electrical terminal arranged to carry said
audio signal and preferably selectively transfer the signal to the
plug or tot he test signal generator.
14. An audio interface as claimed in claim 12 in which the detector
serves to determine whether the plug is connected to or
disconnected from the socket.
15. A test system for a plurality of audio interfaces, the system
comprising a plurality of audio interfaces as claimed in claim 1
and an output device in communication with said plurality of audio
interfaces to process information derived from received test
signals from the audio interfaces.
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present invention relates generally to electrical
sockets.
BACKGROUND
[0002] It is known for passenger aircraft to include `at-seat`
passenger entertainment systems, with a passenger entertainment
station being provided for each passenger, installed in or adjacent
to each passenger's seat. Such systems allow passengers to insert a
plug of a headphone set (or indeed other sound reproduction
equipment) into an audio socket of the station and then listen to
audio content provided by the system. Such systems typically allow
each passenger to select one of a number of channels, for example
including music or the spoken word, in conjunction with, or
independently of, displayed visual content. During changeover
periods between passengers leaving the aircraft and prior to new
passengers boarding the aircraft, aircraft crew need to ensure that
each passenger entertainment station is functioning correctly
(prior to arrival of the new passengers). This check may include
inserting the plug of a headphone set into the socket, or jack, of
each station and verifying that there is audible content. We have
realised that this procedure could be made more efficient by
providing an improved passenger entertainment system.
SUMMARY
[0003] According to a first aspect of the invention there is
provided an audio interface comprising a socket arranged to receive
a plug, the socket arranged to transfer an audio signal to the plug
when connected to the socket, the interface comprising a detector
to determine whether an audio signal is received at the socket, the
detector arranged to cause generation of a test signal to indicate
that an audio signal is received at the socket, at least when the
plug is not connected to the socket.
[0004] The detector may be arranged to cause the test signal to be
generated only when the plug is not connected to the socket.
Preferably, the detector causes discontinuation of generation of
the test signal when, and during, it is determined that the plug is
connected to the socket.
[0005] The detector may comprise a switch which controls generation
of the test signal, based on whether the switch is open or closed.
The detector may be arranged to deactivate a test signal generator
when it is determined that the plug is connected to the socket.
[0006] The detector may be arranged to cause the test signal to be
generated when it is determined that an audio signal is received at
an electrical terminal of the socket. The detector may be arranged
to cause generation of the test signal when it is determined that
an audio signal is received at both or all of the electrical
terminals of the socket.
[0007] The test signal may be arranged to be received locally or
remotely of the interface. The test signal generated may comprise a
visual indication. The visual indication may be provided by a light
generating component. The light-generating component may be
provided as part of the interface, and may be provided adjacent to
the socket.
[0008] The test signal may be generated using (electrical) power
sourced from the audio signal. The detector may be such as to
direct the audio signal towards a test signal generator when the
plug is not connected to the socket.
[0009] The interface may comprise a resilient element which is
arranged to engage with a pin of the plug such that on connection
of the plug to the interface the resilient element serves as a
switch to direct audio signal away from generating a test signal to
be directed to an output of the plug, and when the plug is not
connected to the interface, the resilient element directs the audio
signal towards a test signal generator. The resilient element is
preferably an electrical terminal arranged to carry an audio signal
and preferably selectively transfer the signal to the plug or to
the test signal generator.
[0010] Alternatively, instead of the test signal being generated
from power of the audio signal, the signal may be generated from a
separate power supply, and wherein the detector causes a test
signal generator to be selectively connected to the power supply
dependent on whether the plug is connected to the socket.
[0011] The detector preferably serves to determine whether the plug
is connected to or disconnected from the socket.
[0012] The detector may be an active or passive component.
[0013] The interface may be a passenger audio interface for an
aircraft, or other passenger transportation. Moreover, the audio
interface may be used in any application in which many audio
interfaces are provided, which, in addition to passenger
transportation (such as planes, trains, coaches, buses and mass
transportation), includes venues such as stadia, theatres,
conference centres, classrooms etc.
[0014] According to a second aspect of the invention there is
provided a test system for a plurality of audio interfaces, the
system comprising a plurality of audio interfaces of the first
aspect, and an output device to information derived from received
test signals from the audio interfaces.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0015] Various embodiments of the invention will now be described,
by way of example only, with reference to the following drawings in
which:
[0016] FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view of an audio
interface,
[0017] FIG. 2 is a side view of a plug which is insertable into the
socket of the interface of FIG. 1,
[0018] FIG. 3 is a block diagram of a test signal circuit of the
audio interface of FIG. 1,
[0019] FIG. 4 is a schematic view of terminals of the interface in
a closed condition, and
[0020] FIG. 5 is a schematic view of terminals of the interface
with the plug inserted in an open condition.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0021] Reference is made initially to FIG. 1 which shows an audio
interface 1 for use in an aircraft, which allows a passenger to
connect headphones to the interface and so allow the passenger to
listen to the on-board entertainment system. The interface 1 is
usually provided at or adjacent to each passenger's seat. As will
be described in more detail below, the interface allows crew of the
aircraft to check that audio is received at the interface and so
ensure correct operation of the interface.
[0022] The interface 1 comprises an opening 3, which allows a plug
30, which is connected to an audio headset or earphones by way of a
cable 31, to be inserted into the socket 2 of the interface by the
passenger. Within the socket, there are provided three pairs of
electrical terminals 5, 6 and 7. Each terminal comprises two parts,
a fixed terminal and a sprung, or resiliently deflectable,
terminal. Specifically, the terminal pair 5 comprises a sprung
terminal 5a and a fixed terminal 5b, the terminal pair 6 comprises
a sprung terminal 6a and a fixed terminal 6b, and, the terminal
pair 7 comprises a sprung terminal 7a and 7a fixed terminal 7b.
Each of the sprung terminals is connected to the audio signal of
the aircraft's inflight entertainment system by way of electrical
wiring (not shown). Each of the terminals is spaced along the depth
of the socket so that each terminal corresponds to the longitudinal
position of a contact portion 35, 36 and 37 respectively of the pin
34 of plug 30, such that each portion contacts with a respective
sprung terminal so that the audio signal is connected to the
passenger's audio equipment. The terminal pair 5 is connected to a
left channel audio signal, the terminal pair 6 is connected to a
right audio channel and the terminal pair 7 is connected to
ground.
[0023] The interface 1 further comprises a test signal circuit 10.
The test signal circuit 10 comprises, for each of the left channel
signal and the right channel signal, a voltage amplifier 45 and 46,
a rectifier 55 and 56, logic circuitry 60, and a light-emitting
diode 70.
[0024] In the condition in which the plug is not inserted into
socket 2, the distal end of each of the sprung terminals
electrically contacts the distal ends of the respective fixed
terminals, as shown in FIG. 1. In this condition, the left, right
and ground signals are connected to the test signal circuit 10, via
the fixed terminals. With reference to FIG. 3 it can be seen that
each of the left and right channel signals is first amplified and
then rectified prior to serving as inputs for the AND gate of the
logic circuitry at 60. If both left and right channels are present
then the AND gate will output HIGH. This HIGH output then serves to
power the LED 70. This condition, in which the LED is illuminated,
is indicative of the fact that an audio signal is present at both
of left and right channel terminals. Moreover, this condition is
indicative of the fact that there is continuity through each of the
terminals. Conveniently, the LED is arranged to radiate visible
light externally of the interface so aircraft personnel can easy
check whether the LED for each seat is illuminated. If it is not
illuminated, then this means that one or both of the left or right
audio signals is not received at the terminals of the interface,
and so the fault needs to be investigated and rectified as
necessary. The LED may be provided at or adjacent to the interface
1, or close to each passenger seat, so that the staff can easily
identify with which seat any faulty audio interface is associated.
Hitherto, this procedure of check that the audio interface of each
seat was operating correctly was performed by the staff manually
inserting a plug of a headset into each interface, and then
manually verifying that audio could be heard. This is clearly a
lengthy and laborious procedure (given that a few hundred
interfaces may need to be checked as operating correctly). Such a
procedure would usually be conducted in the time between when
passengers have left the aircraft and prior to new passengers
boarding the aircraft. During such changeover periods time is
short, since other duties in making the aircraft ready for the new
passengers need to performed.
[0025] It should be appreciated that when the plug 30 is inserted
into the socket 2, the pin 34 engages with the sprung terminals so
as to deflect them away from electrical connection with the fixed
terminals and into electrical connection with the respective
portions of the pin. With the plug so inserted, the audio signals
are routed/diverted away from the test circuit 10 and towards the
audio headset. In this condition, the LED is not powered and
remains extinguished for as long as the plug is inserted. With the
plug removed, the resilience of the sprung terminals returns them
to being in contact with the fixed terminals.
[0026] In the above embodiment, we use the audio content generated
by the entertainment system that would be heard by passengers, for
the purpose of powering generation of the test signal. However, in
an alternative embodiment, for the purpose of the test procedure,
we substitute the audio content that would usually be directed to
the interfaces for passenger entertainment, for a dedicated source
test signal, used solely for the purpose of checking the
operability of each of the interfaces. Such a source test signal
would be transmitted to each interface in place of the usual audio
content. The frequency of transmission of the source test signal
may be around 15 kHz. Once the test procedure has been completed,
the source test signal is discontinued and transmission of the
usual audio content is then re-commenced to the interfaces.
[0027] Advantageously, in the above embodiments, no additional
power supply is required, since the LED is powered from an
amplified and rectified audio signal.
[0028] In an alternative embodiment, the test signal may not be
displayed at or next to each seat or interface, but rather may be
provided remote from the interface, for example, the output of each
test circuit could be fed to a (master) monitoring station, whereby
staff could immediately identify from an output given by the
monitoring station any interfaces of any seats for the entire
aircraft which the `operative` test signal was not received. The
combination of the monitoring station and the audio interfaces may
be viewed as forming a testing system. It may be that a signal/data
processor could be provided in such a system so as to determine
from which interfaces an `operative` test signal is not received,
and then to display to staff at the monitoring station the identity
of that/those interfaces which are determined to be faulty.
[0029] In a further alternative embodiment, instead of an audio
signal being used to power a test signal, another power source may
be used (ie other than the audio signal), such as for example that
to a passenger equipment power supply socket. In such an
embodiment, when the plug is not inserted into the socket, a switch
is closed, so as to cause a test signal (powered from the power
source) to be generated. However, when a plug is inserted, the
switch is caused to opened, and the power source disconnected from
a test signal generator.
[0030] In yet further embodiments, the test signal may be arranged
to be generated even when a plug is connected to the interface.
[0031] Advantageously, the above embodiments form what may be
viewed as a self-testing jack, saving considerable time and effort
verifying the operability of a multitude of audio interfaces.
Further advantageously, when the test signal is generated from
power derived from an audio signal, (with for example, the
electrical power received at the interface representative of music
or audio content which is used to power the test circuit), or at
least serve as a power source for generation of the test signal,
this obviates the need for any additional power supply for
generation of the test signal.
* * * * *